Experience That Drives Resolution
David E. Libman, Esq., LL.M. is a California-certified mediator with 25 years of experience as a practicing attorney and a professional history that includes the settlement of hundreds of civil cases. His mediation work is grounded in real-world litigation experience and a focus on practical resolution.
Since being admitted to the California Bar in 2001, David has represented parties on both sides of the courtroom in complex, high-stakes disputes. He has tried and settled matters in California and Colorado, handling cases involving business and partnership disputes, real estate conflicts, unlawful detainer matters, trust and elder abuse claims, employment cases and creditor debtor disputes.
A Settlement-Driven Perspective
David has negotiated resolutions ranging from zero-payment settlements with no admission of liability to substantial lump-sum and structured recoveries.
This experience helps David recognize the pressures affecting each side, identify leverage and impasse points, and judge when persistence or patience is most likely to advance negotiations.
Certified Mediator with Court-Connected Training
David completed his mediation training through Community Service Programs, Inc. in Orange County, satisfying the requirements of the California Dispute Resolution Programs Act of 1986. His formal mediation credentials include:
- Basic Mediation Training Program (2013)
- Advanced Mediation Training in Mediating Unlawful Detainer Cases (2014)
David’s mediation practice is well suited to disputes involving business relationships, real estate, landlord tenant issues, employment issues, money disputes and matters where litigation costs and court delays make early resolution especially valuable.
Bar Admissions
Supreme Court of California
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
U.S. Tax Court
Supreme Court of Colorado
Education
The Juilliard School, New York City, New York
Degree: Bachelor of Music – 1992
Major: Music
Chapman University School of Law, Orange, California
Degree: J.D. magna cum laude – 2001
Law Review: Chapman University School Law Review, Senior Notes and Comments Editor
Appellate Moot Court Team, Member
UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California
Degree: LL.M., Business with a Tax Law Emphasis – 2008
Honors: Top 10% of his class
Major: Business Law – Tax Emphasis
Community Service Programs, Inc., Santa Ana, California
Certification: Basic Mediation Training Program – 2013
Certification: Advance Mediation Training in Mediating Unlawful Detainer Cases – 2014
Professional Associations and Memberships
California State Bar
Orange County Bar Association
Client/Peer Ratings/Awards
2019 – 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers
Recipient of Orange County Bar Association Tax Section’s first ever OCBA Tax Award in 2015
One of Orange County’s “Best Lawyers” for Lawsuits and Disputes in 9/2015 Orange County Coast Magazine
One of Orange County’s “Best Lawyers” in 9/2014 OC Metro Magazine
10.0 “Superb” rating from AVVO
5.0/5.0 client review rating from Martindale
Rising Star rating from Super Lawyers for 2005-2007
Community Service
Kiwanis AKTion club — Charter Member and Board Member
Fullerton College Legal Clinic — Volunteer
Orange County Superior Court — Volunteer mediator, small claims division
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (C.D. Cal.) — Volunteer, debtor clinic
Past Employment Positions
Enterprise Counsel Group, ALC — Partner (Irvine, CA)
Wood & Porter — Associate (San Francisco, CA)
Sedgwick LLP — Associate (Irvine, CA)
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (C.D. Cal.) — Judicial Extern to Hon. Judge John A. Ryan
Why Litigation Experience Matters in Mediation
David’s trial experience helps parties and counsel assess how judges or arbitrators may view common claims and defenses, how discovery and motion practice affect leverage, and how continued litigation changes cost, delay, and risk.
A Mediator Who Listens
Before becoming a lawyer, David worked professionally as a jazz drummer and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School. That training strengthened the listening, collaboration, and problem-solving skills he brings to mediation—qualities reflected in his reputation as “the lawyer who listens.”
Be prepared, fair, and persistent. Focus on resolution. David creates an environment where parties are heard, counsel are respected, and meaningful progress can occur—even in difficult or emotionally charged disputes.